I’m always a little disappointed when a player that had a positive impact on the game in general or a specific team ends up calling it quits with little or no fanfare. In some cases, I’m a little surprised that one of the teams didn’t do something. However, it’s become the thing in every sport to resign a player to a one-day contract so he could officially retire with a specific team (See Lorenzo Cain and the Royals). I expect the Reds to do something with Joey Votto sooner than later, with a parting gift an albatross.

Hardcore baseball fans like Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar wonder why certain free agents remain unsigned at various points in the spring-especially when they could help a team. And no, I’m not thinking 120-year-old, mediocre reliever, Jesse Chavez. He’s been signed, resigned, DFA’d more times by Atlanta than Zsa Zsa was married.

While I have no particular fondness for lefty swingman, Drew Smyly, I’m surprised that nobody has picked him up after he and the Cubs parted ways after 3 somewhat positive seasons. He’s one of those relievers that I think may have exceeded his breaking point with a particular team, the Cubs, but could give some team a few innings before going sour. I’m equally surprised that the overrated and overused Hector Neris has gotten a couple chances since failing miserably (and not unexpectedly by) me with the Cubs.

As the bullpen situation has completely flummoxed Craig Counsell and the Cubs brass, they went out and traded for Drew Pomerantz, a lefty whose fortunes have changed since moving exclusively to the pen with the Brewers in 2019. He only made 25 appearances for the Brewers but was a positive contributor to their run to the postseason. He was even better with the Padres in 2020 and 2021. I don’t expect him to close many if any games for the Cubs, but I do expect Counsell to get the most from the 36-year-old before burning him out.